Ski



C. J. HICKMAN 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 SKI Filed May 16, 1947 July 17, 1951 c. J. HICKMANl 2,560,693

Filed May 16, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 LARENEE J. HIEKMAM AT ToRNEY July 17, 1951- c. J. H|cKMAN SKI Filed 'May 16, 1947 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN1/EN TOR. LAEENLE J ILTKMAN BY i AT TORNEY Patented July 17, 1951 UNITED JS TATIES vllfATlllI'T OFFICE SKI Glarence J. Hickman, Oronoque, Conn., `assignor Ito Tey Manufacturing Corporation, Milford, Conn., a-corporation of Connecticut Application May 16, 1947,.Seria1 N0.`718,4`95

21Claims. 1

This Ainvention `relates to new and useful '.improvements in skis.

An 'object of the inventionis vto provide 'a ski vwhich is substantially uniformly 'flexible over its entire length, including its portion having 'the foot platetheron.

Another object isto provide a ski construction wherein a separate foot plate is attached 'to the ski in such a manner 'as'to avoid longitudinal shear transfer between 'the ski and foot plate other than that providedby friction between 'the engaging surfaces 'of such parts.

A further object is 'to providea ski of a material having a high strength to weight ratio, such material including a plastic, for example, glass laminate,.but being `preferably metal as a'structural aluminum alloy.

AAnother ob'ject is to ,provide an all inetal ski including various features of construction wherebylthe rigidity ofthe ski or theresis'tance of 'the skitolongitudinal'bowingniay be predetermined.

Another object -is Ato ,provide a ski free from warpage or distortion due to moisture 'by contact, or to conditions of fthe air such as humidity, dryness,heat or cold.

Another object is to provide a ski free from splitting or 'to delamination, or to other'fail'ures due to atmospheric conditions of humidity or dryness, or `heat .or cold.

Another object is .to provide a ski of a design and construction .which upon failure dueto extremely hard usage or inadvertant overload, will do so in the'manner ofabend or buckle andnot inthe'form ofalfrac'ture which will leave ragged andsplintered edges upon .which the user might be impaled.

Another object is to provide a ski whose edges are ashard as the other portions of the` ski and homogeneous therewith.

Another object is .to provide a ski with a footplateto which vconvention'al bindings maybe secured without danger of the attaching means splitting the ski.

Another Objectis to provide a ski whichisimpervious to moisture 'or to'the absorption thereof without the. application of lacquers, .waxes or similar substan'cestothe surfaces oftheskis.

Another object isto provide a ski with a surface which'is capable of easily receivingapplications 'o'flacque'rs or waxes for the purpose of reducing or Aincreasing the friction of such a ski when in'usebut all of which such `applications may "beremoved by mechanical abrasives or 'by solvents without harm to theV basic surface.

Another vobje'ctis'to provide a ski thatha's a 2 -high torsional-stiness in proportion vto its'longitudinal'stiffnessiand which -is therefor restricted. from twisting when under load.

Another v`object `-is `to provide a ski -made from homogeneous materialsso-that-stiiness i strength, hardness, weight andcolorof successively er'nanue factured units -will be consistent.

Another object is to provide a ski of a-design `whereby changes in the gauge-'of the materials used -in the constructionof -the-skiwill result in variations Iin the flexibility characteristics Aof the ski.

Other objects andadvantages of Athe invention will "become apparent from a-considerationof the following detailed' description taken-in'connectio'n with the accompanying -drawings wherein `satisfactoryYembodiments-of the invention are shown. However, vit is to be understood that the inven tion is not limited tothe-details disclosed but 'in' cludes allsuch variations and modiiications as fall-within the'spirit of -the invention and -the scope -of thefappended` claims.

`In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the ski made in 'ac-'- cordance with the invention, portions Abeyond each-endof-fthe foot plate being omitted;

` Fig. 2'is aside elevational view of the ski of Fig.'1;

Fig. 3 is a central A'longitudinal sectional View through `the ski, the view being -taken as along the plane of the -lined-'s3 of Fig. '1;

Fig. 44 is an lenlarged'transvt'rrse sectional vview taken as alongthe plane'of' the lined-ll of Fig. 3;

Fig. v 5' isa similar view taken as along the plane of-the line-Ef-Sv'of Fig. 3

Fig. i6 lisa centrallongitudinalsectional view through the v4forward end portion 'ofthe skifthe view being ona larger scale;

Fig. 7-is a similar view'through'the rear Aend portion of the'ski;

Fig. il is "a transverse sectional View Vsimilarv to Fig. 4 `but showing Va modification;

Fig'. 9 is a similar view showing a further modi cation;

Fig. Y10 is an isometric view of a foot plate alone;

Fig. '11 is" anisometric Viewl showing a modied construction ofthe 'foot plateapplied to a ski;

Fig. 1'2 is an exploded view of the parts ofthe foot plate of Fig-11;

Fig. 13 isa'transverse sectional view showing in detail Vthe manner'in which the intermediate YVsec tion of the foot plate of'Fig. 14 isfsecured to the ski body; and

Fig. 14 is an isometric view showing the parts of a modified construction of foot plate.

Referring in detail to the drawings and at first more particularly to Figs. 1-7 and 10, my improved ski is shown as including essentially a runner or lower skin generally designated Ill, a top pan or shell and a foot plate or binding carrier '|2. The runner or lower skin II comprises a single length of metal or plastic having a high strength to weight ratio such as a structural aluminum alloy or a laminated plastic asa glass laminate. However, at present I prefer thev use of thin resilient metal of high strength to weight ratio. This piece is of a selected length, width and gauge and is here illustrated as extending from one end to the other of the ski.

Intermediate its longitudinal edges, the runner or lower skin I is formed to provide a groove or channel I3 opening through its lower side. Toward its ends, this groove or channel feathers out as suggested at I4 and I5, respectively, in Figs. 3, 6 and 7. Further, this intermediate portion of the runner or skin is slightly bowed upwardly as is customary in ski constructions, and beyond such bowed portion the ski includes substantially nat front and rear portions I6 and I'I and then upturned front and rear portions I8 and I9, respectively.

A pair of strips 29 and 2| are disposed against the upper longitudinal edge portions of the runner or lower skin Ii) and extend from the rear end of the latter substantially to the front end thereof. As shown, these strips at their rear ends are pinned to the runner or lower skin and to the shell or top pan I I as by rivets 22 (see Figs. l and 2) Between the rear end portions of the strips 2U and 2|, a strip 23 is inserted extending across the upper side of the rear end portion of the runner or lower skin between the rear end portions of the strips 2i) and 2|. A stiffening strip 24 is disposed against the underside of the shell or top pan I I and this strip for the most part extends along the longitudinal center of such top pan.

The forward end portion 25 of the strip 24 extends between the forward ends of the strips 26 and 2| and the forward edge portions of the portion 25 are, in fact, abutted by the forward ends of the strips 20 and 2|, all as shown in Fig. 1. The rear portion of the strip 24 is slit or bifurcated and comprises a pair of spaced arms 26 and 2l, between which is received the rear portion of the groove or channel I3, and the rear ends of which are tacked in place as by rivets 2S and are located in the corners formed by the abutting of the rear end portions of the strips 29 and 2| and the ends of the short cross strip 23. It is to be understood that, if desired, the strips 20, 2| and 24 could be formed as an integral unit stamped from a piece of metal.

The top pan or shell II is of the length and breadth of the runner or lower skin I0 and coinprises a U-shaped or channel portion 29 extending for a very substantial portion of the intermediate length of the pan or shell. This portion includes a top wall 30, diverging walls 3| and 32 and flat edge portions or lateral flanges 33 and 34. For a substantial portion of its length, as from the point 35 to the point 36, the intermediate channel shaped portion 29 is substantially of uniform height and thereafter it tapers or shtails off as to the points 38 and 39. Beyond the points 38 and 39, the forward and rear end portions 4 and 4|, respectively, of the top pan or shell are exactly parallel with overlapped end portions of the runner or lower skin I0.

Strip 24 follows the longitudinal configuration of the channel or U-shaped portion 29 of the top pan or shell and is against the top wall 3l) thereof and then is carried down the inclined or bevelled or shtailed portions thereof and then to the respective ends of the ski. Strip 24 is of the thickness or gauge of the strips 20 and 2| and thus at the end portions I'I and I8 of the lower skin or runner and the end portions 4I and 49 of the upper pan or shell is against the opposed longitudinal surface portions of both of such parts. The lateral flange portions 33 and 34 of the U-shaped or channel portion 29 of the top pan or shell are continuous and are disposed on the upper sides of the strips 20 and 2| throughout the lengths of such strips.

After the various parts already described are assembled in the relationship shown, they are secured together. That is, the strip 24 throughout its length, including its bifurcated arms 26 and 2, is secured against the inner surface of the top pan or shell II. The end portions of said strip are also secured to the inner surfaces of the end portions I6 and II of the runner or lower skin I6. Additionally, the longitudinal edge portions of the runner or lower skin and of the top pan or shell are secured respectively to the lower and upper sides of the strips 29 and 2| and thus such edge portions are secured together. Further, the end portions of the lower skin or runner and of the top pan or shell are secured to the transverse strip 23.

The rivets 22 and 28 are only for the purpose of securing the parts in the proper assembled relation prior to the final securing together of the parts and for this purpose additional rivets or tacks may be used at various points along the length of the ski parts, fastening the strip 24 and the strips 20 and 2| to the top pan or shell and to the skin or runner before the final operation. Then, the parts may be secured together by bonding, brazing, welding, etc., depending on the material comprising the parts. The bonding, where used, may be accomplished by the use of suitable adhesive designed for securing together sheet aluminum alloy parts, under pressure and/ or heat and pressure.

A tension rivet 42 passes through the flat, forward, solid, laminated end structure of the ski. That is, the rivet 42 passes through the flat parallel forward portions of the top pan I I, stifening strip 24 and lower skin or runner I0. The top pan and the lower skin converge at the point where the rivet 42 is used and thus this rivet locks these parts together in this portion preventing separation. It is noted that the heads of the rivet are countersunk into the outer parts so that a smooth structure is provided.

On the upper side of the intermediate portion of the top pan or shell I I is the foot plate I2. The foot plate (see particularly Figs. 1-5 and 10) is formed up of sheet metal and includes an elongated body generally U-shaped in transverse section and comprising a heel portion 43 and a sole portion 44 including side walls 45 having their lower edges inturned providing anges 46 and 41 which in the assembly rest on the lateral flanges 33 and 34, respectively, of the top pan or shell.

In its forward end portions, beyond the ends of the inturned flanges 46 and 41, the foot plate includes downwardly diverging side portions 43 and 49 which embrace the diverging side wall portions 3| and 32 of the top pan. Similarly, in

its rear end, the foot plate includes downwardly diverging side wall portions 50 and 5| embracing the downwardly diverging side wall portions 3l and 32 of the top pan or shell. Thus, the foot plate is supported essentially 'on the two inturned flanges 46 and 41, but it is supported against lateral tendency by such portions and also by its wall portions 48, 49, 50 and 5I.

The foot plate is attached to the top pan or shell by means of three screws 52, 53 and 54 of which those numbered 52 and 54 are identical. Screw 53 includes a head portion 55 and a threaded shank portion 51. A spacer or collar 56 surrounds shank 51 between the underside of the top wall of the foot plate and the upper side of the top pan. A nut 59 is secured to the underside of the strip 24 as by rivets 60 or otherwise.

Screw shank 51 passes through a suitable opening 62 in the top wall 30 of the top pan or shell and is threaded into the nut 59. With this arrangement, the head 55 of the screw overlies the outer surface of the foot plate above the upper end of the collar 56 and the lower end of the latter is disposed on the upper surface of the wall 30 of the top pan. Therefore, the screw can only be tightened a fixed amount since when the collar 56 is tightened against the outer surface of the vwall 36 there is no possibility of further tightening of the screw in the nut 59 and so neither the top pan nor the foot plate may be distorted or collapsed by undue tightening of the screw.

The screws 52 and 54 being identical, but one is shown enlarged (Fig. 5) since it is believed a detailed description of one will suiiice for both. Thus, screw 54 includes a head 63 which overlies the top surface of an end portion of the foot plate and passes through a longitudinally extending slot `64 in such top wall. The screw 52 passes through a similar opening 65 in the other end portion of the mentioned top wall. Screw 54 includes an enlarged diameter shoulder portion 66 which occupies the slot 64 transversely and rests against the upper surface of the top wall 30 of the top pan I I.

Then the screw passes through such wall and through the strip 24 and is threaded into a nut 61 fastened to the underside of the strip 24 by rivets or the like 68. Shoulder 66 is of a height equal to the gauge of the top wall of the foot plate and so while the screw head 63 is brought down against or substantially against the top wall of the foot plate, the screw 54 does not serve to rigidly lock the foot plate against all movement relative to the nut 61.

There are several advantages in the described construction, the primary advantage being that owing to the presence of the slots 64 and 65, the screws 52 and 54 may move relative to the foot plate I2 and such foot plate may move relative to the screws and therefore the portion of the ski measured longitudinally between the screws or under the foot plate may flex relative to the foot plate. -From this, it will be understood that the foot plate is secured rigidly to the top pan only by means of the screw 53 and that there may be relative movement of the top pan `(and also of the strips and lowerskin) relative to the portions of the foot plate beyond the screw 53. Thus, the ski may flex so as to have its runner or lower skin assume the broken line position 69 in Fig. 3 and it will be seen that the ski may flex uniformly throughout its length.

The screws `52 and 54 have a normal location in the slots 65 and 64 but nevertheless since the screws are located in the slots in vone `of the top pans and the foot plate, it will be clear that the ski proper may flex in its portion intermediate andbeyond the screws 52 and 54. This is due to the fact that the foot plate is not attached to the ski at a number of places longitudinally of the i'oot plate and ski or in a manner fore and aft of the screw 53 such as would permit or cause the building up of longitudinal shear between the foot plate and the ski proper. The foot plate being attached as described, has a freedom of movement in a fore and aft direction relative to the ski when the latter fleXes or bends.

Referring now more particularly to Fig. 8, the ski there shown in transverse section is generally designated 16 and comprises a runner or lower skin 1I of the structure of the runner or lower skin IE! rst described and provided in the intermediate portion of its underside with a groove or channel 12. In this ski construction, a shell or top pan 13 of relatively heavy gauge metal is employed and the same is of the general shape of the top pan or shell I I previously described and comprises a top wall "I4, downwardly diverging side walls 15 and 16 and longitudinally extending lateral flanges 11 and 18. Such flanges and the longitudinal edge portions of the lower skin or runner 'II are bonded directly together in the manner described when considering the first figures of the drawing.

In this modification, the top pan or shell being of relatively heavy gauge metal, the edge strips (2G and 2i of Figs. l-5) and the stiffening strip (25 of Figs. l-5) are omitted and a nut 'I9 is fastened directly against the inner side of the top wall 'M of the pan or shell as by rivets 86. A threaded opening through this nut is aligned with an opening 8l through the top Wall of the pan or shell and the hole or opening corresponds with the opening 62 shown best in Fig. 4 and is adapted for the passage of the stem portion of a suitable screw. This ski 19 is somewhat less stiff than the ski of Figs. 1J? and 10 since while the increased gauge of the metal of the pan 13 provides for some stiffness in the ski 16, the omission of the stiffening strip 24 and the strips 26 and 2| makes ski 16 more flexible longitudinally than the ski first described.

Referring now to the modification of Fig. 9, a ski is generally designated 82 and comprises a lower skin or runner 83 provided lin the underside of its intermediate portion with the groove 64 whereby this runner or lower skin is of the construction of that generally designated 1I in Fig. '8. The ski 82 differs from the ski 19 particularly in that the top pan or shell 35 of the ski 82 is of a laminated construction comprising nested inner and outer members lor elements 86 and 81. The elements 86 and 81 are of the contour of the element 19 (Fig. 8) but are each made of a thinner gauge metal, as Ifor example, a metal of the gauge of that of the top pan lI of Figs. 1-'1 and 10.

Thus, the thickness of the two layers of the material comprising the elements 66 and 81 is equal approximately to the thickness of the single layer of material comprising `the top pan or shell 13 of Fig. 8. The inner and outer elements or layers 31 and 66 are bonded together over their entire adjacent surfaces and in addition the lower surface of the laterally extending iianges 86 and 69 of the innermost layer -31 are bonded to the upper surfaces of the longitudinal edge portions of the lower skin or runner 83. Thus, the skin 83 and the pan 85 are bonded vdirectly together in their longitudinal edge portions and at' their ends. This bonding is accomplished preferably in the manner above suggested when considering the other figures of the drawing.

A nut 90 is fastened to the inner side of the top pan or shell 81 as by rivets 9| and has its threaded opening aligned with the'aligned holes 92 through the members 80 and 81 of such top pan for the passage of a securing screw which latter is to be used in attaching a foot plate to the ski as in Figs. 1-5. The top pan construction of Fig. 9 provides for a more flexible ski structure than that of the other forms disclosed.

Referring now to Figs. 11 and 12, a ski generally designated 93 is shown and is of the construction of the ski of Figs. 1-'7 when the foot plate I2 of those figures is omitted. Thus, the reference numerals for the various parts used in Figs. 1-7 are applied to the ski 93 in Fig. 11. The modification in Figs. 10 and 11 relates exclusively to the foot plate.

In the modification, a foot plate is generally designated 94 and the same is shown as formed of a block of wood of the proper or desired length, width and thickness. At one end, a tenon or tongue-like portion 95 projects from the main body 96 of this plate and is shown as `being provided with three holes 91 extending vertically7 therethrough. From the other end of the plate projects a similar portion 98 having a pair of longitudinally extending slots or grooves 99 opening through its outer or free end.

Fixed on the intermediate flat raised portion of the top pan I I of the ski 93 are a pair of spaced hollow cap-like members and |0|. Of these, the member |00 is fastened rigid to the ski as by screws, bolts or the like |02 passing through openings |03 in the top wall of such member. Somewhat similarly, the member |0| is fastened in place as by screws, bolts or the like |04 passing through a pair of spaced openings |05 in the top wall of such member. It is noted that both the members |00 and |9| are hollow devices tapered to rounded points at one end and each open across the entire width of its other end and also open through its lower or inner side.

The members |00 and |0| are fastened in place with the body 99 of the plate 94 between them and with the tenons or tongue-like portions 95 and 98 at the ends of the plate entered within said members. Then the bolts, screws, or the like |02, in addition to passing through the holes |03 in the member |00, pass through the holes 91 in the tenon or tongue-like portion 95 anchoring one end of the plate 94 to the ski. The bolts |04 passing through the openings |05 in the top wall of the member |0I pass through the slots 99 in the tenon or tongue-like portion 98 whereby such end of the plate 94 is secured against vertical and lateral movements relative to the ski.

However, the arrangement is such that normally the forward edges of the cap or member |0| are slightly spaced from the adjacent end of the body 96 as shown in Fig. 11 at |06. With this slightly spaced end and the pin and slot anchoring of said end of the plate, it will be clear that a slight relative movement may take place, lengthwise of the plate and of the ski, between the plate and the member |0| and thus between the plate and the ski. Therefore, it will be understood that this floating connection is quite similar to that described between the foot plate I2 and the ski of the rst figures and permits of uniform exing of the ski. That is, the ski is not 8. held rigid in its portion under the foot plate as would be the case if both ends of the latter were iixedly anchored to the ski or if the plate were glued or otherwise secured to the ski over the entire lower surface of the plate.

Attention is directed to the fact that the foot plate 94 is of a construction which may be easily and inexpensively prepared as the block is not carved out to a particular curved point of construction such as heretofore in these devices. In the present construction, the block is rectangular and has sharp edges and corners such as may result from sawing or the like and the ends of the plate are received in the metal caps or members |00 and |0I. These latter may be cast with pointed or other shaped ends as desired for the purpose of appearance or otherwise.y

With the present proposed construction, as far as observation is concerned, the square ends of the plate 94 are concealed withinthe caps or members |00 and IOI.

Thus, with the present construction, the foot plate is not fastened as by gluing, bonding or the like, over its entire lower area to the ski but is only fastened at one end. Further, pointed, tapered constructions at the end of the foot block are accomplished by means of the metal caps or members |00 and |0I cast to the desired shape and serving to conceal the ends of the wooden block or plate. Thus, I have provided a construction of foot plate which does not detract from the flexing of the ski throughout its entire length and one which, while of the usual appearance, is quite inexpensive to manufacture.

Referring now to the modification of foot plate lgenerally designated |01 and shown in Figs. 13 and 14, it is noted that the same is an articulated structure comprising essentially an intermediate portion |08 and front and rear end portions |09 and ||0, respectively. In Fig. 13 the foot plate |01 is shown in section mounted on the ski body of Figs. 1-'1 and which ski body needs no further description here.

The intermediate section |08 of the foot plate |01 is generally of the shape of an inverted U when viewed in transverse section and includes a top wall comprising a heel portion I and a sole portion ||2. From said top wall depend side walls |3 and ||4 each at its lower edge bent to provide inturned lateral anges ||5 and |I6, respectively. The sole portion ||2 of the top wall of the foot plate is provided with a hole ||1 and a depending dimple |I8 for the passage of a securing screw II9.

Thus, in Fig. 13, the mounting of section |08 on the ski is illustrated and there it will be noted that the anges I I5 and IIS are disposed on the flanges 33 and 34 of the top pan 29. Additionally, the dimple ||8 rests on the upper surface of the wall 30 and the screw ||9 passing through the dimple is threaded into the nut 59 and clamps or secures the foot plate section |00 to the ski.

Foot plate section |09 includes an inner end portion |20 received in the adjacent end portion of the section |08 and then tapers inwardly and includes the diverging side walls I2I to embrace the merging walls 3| and 32 of the top pan 29. A round hole |22 in the top wall |23 of the section |09 is adapted to receive a screw the same as or similar to the screw 52 of the figures rst described.

Section I0 is also reduced in its inner end por-'- tion at |21 and the latter is disposed in the adjacent end portion of the section |08. Then section |I0 tapers inwardly and includes diverging side walls |24 to embrace the walls 3| and 32 of the top pan 29. In its top wall |25, section HEI is provided with a round opening |26 for the reception of a screw corresponding with the screw 54 of Figs. 1-7.

The locations of the holes in the top pan 29 for the passage of the screws through the openings lll, |22 and |26 to nuts 59 and 5l are such that the sections are secured with the square end portions of section |98 receiving the reduced squared end portions |20 and |27 of the sections I D9 and lli), respectively. The telescopic relation is such that the portions |26 and |27 are not entirely received whereby further telescoping of the sections is possible. Further, each of the sections is rigidly secured by its screw and by lateral contact of its walls with the pan walls, to its engaged portion of the top pan.

However, uniform flexing of the ski throughout its length is provided for by the structure of foot plate shown in Figs. 13 and 14. As the ski fleXes longitudinally, the end sections telescope further into or slip further out of the mid or intermediate section. Hi8 thus providing, in foot plate |01, for the action previously described with reference to the ski plates l2 and 94.

In the various described constructions, the lower skin or runner and the upper pan are connected together along their edges in each instance. Thus, in Figs. 1-7 and 10, the mentioned parts are bonded together at their longitudinal edges through the strips 2i! and 2| and at their front tips through the front end portion of the stiffening strip 24 and at their rear or transverse ends by the short end strip or piece 23. In the modification of Fig. 8, the longitudinal edge portions of the lower skin and the top pan are directly connected together while in Fig. 9 the direct connection is between the lower skin and the inner member or layer of the top laminated construction of top pan 85. Attention is also directed to the fact that in the various figures the foot plate is rigidly secured to the ski only over a very slight increment measured longitudinally of the ski whereby local stiffening of the ski, in its portion under the foot plate, is prevented. Therefore, the present ski is adapted for uniform flexing.

Conventional wood skis are liable toV warpage and distortion from conditions of the atmosphere and due to the moisture and water they normally encounter in their usage. Breakage of wooden skis, when caused by hard usage, results in a splintering fracture which constitutes a grave danger to the user. The edges of conventional wood skis must be reenforced by steel or other materials harder than the base material of the ski and present methods of attaching such reenforcements to the ski are such as to cause a constant maintenance problem. In addition, such edges are liable to tear loose when the ski is in use with a resulting hazard to the user of the ski. ,Y

Both conventional wooden skis and metal skis now in common use are of such a design that the portion in the Vicinity or" the persons foot is thickened to `provide sufficient area for the personss foot and to provide for the attachment of binding devices and such raised or thickened portions are rigidly attached to or integral with the ski with the result that the ski is considerably stifiened in that portion of the ski and not free to deflect longitudinally in a uniform curvature.

Furthermore, skis of conventional wood construction are not consistent in physical characteristics such as strength, weight, stiffness, hardness, and color, due to the non-homogeneous character of the base material. They are of a low ratio of torsional stiffness to longitudinal stiffness which results in a poor edge holding ability when under load. The relatively soft surface of the conventional wood ski is liable to local damagefrom rocks or other foreign objects met in the course of normal usage.

The feature of providing for longitudinal sliding of the foot plate in relation to the remainder of the ski is of general application and such feature or the invention is not limited to use with ski constructions of metal or other particular materials unless so specified in the claims. Thus, any of the foot plates I2, 94 or |01 may be used with a ski of metal, wood, plastic or, in fact, any suitable material and the advantage of providing for uniform flexing of the ski throughout its length will be fully realized.

Having thus set forth the nature of my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and rigid at its edge portions with the edge portions of said lower skin or runner, said top pan in a portion intermediate its ends forming a hollow construction including a top wall, downwardly diverging side walls and lateral anges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, a foot plate on the top wall of said top pan, and said foot plate including end portions engaging said top wall and diverging extensions on said end portions and lying against the diverging side walls of said top pan.

2. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and rigid at its edge portions with the edge portions of said lower skin or runner, a metal foot plate on said top pan, means securing said foot plate to said top pan at two spaced points, and at least one of said means including a pin and slot connection to permit of longitudinal sliding of said foot plate in relation to said top pan thus preventing local stiiening of the ski.

3. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and rigid at its edge portions with the edge portions of said lower skin or runner, said top pan in a portion intermediate its ends of a hollow construction including a top wall, downwardly diverging side walls and lateral flanges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, a foot plate on said top pan, said foot plate including an intermediate portion and end portions, said intermediate portion including a top wall, depending side walls'and inturned flanges at the lower edges of said side walls and disposed on the lateral flanges of the top pan, and said end portions including top walls and diverging side walls with said top walls disposed on the top wall of said hollow constructionof the top pan and said diverging side walls embracingV those of said hollow construction of the top pan.-

4. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and rigid at its edge portions with the edge portions of saidV lower skin or runner, a foot plate on said top pan, spaced means securing said foot plate to said top pan at two places, said means each including a nut at the inner side of said top pan and a screw passing through the foot plate and top pan and threaded to said nut, a shoulder on at least one said screw and engaging said top pan and limiting threading of the screw through the nut, and at least one of said means including a pin and slot connection to permit of longitudinal sliding of said foot plate in relation to said top pan thus preventing local stiifening of the ski.

5. In a ski, a ski body, a foot plate on said body, a pair of spaced means securing said foot plate to the body, one of said means comprising a nut and bolt rigidly securing said foot plate to a midportion of said ski body over a very small distance measured along the length of said body, and the other of said means including a pin and slot connection between the foot plate and the body to permit of relative longitudinal sliding movement of said foot plate and said body thus preventing local stiffening of the ski.

6. In a ski, a ski body, a pair of hollow U- shaped metal caps secured to spaced portions of the upper side of said body, a foot plate on the upper side of said body between said capsI and having end portions entering the latter, means securing one of said end portions to one of said caps against movement relative to the cap and ski body, and a pin and slot connection between the other of said end portions and the other cap whereby to permit of longitudinal sliding of said foot plate in relation to said body thus preventing local stiir'ening of the ski.

'7. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of a material having a high strength to weight ratio, a hollow top pan of a material having a high strength to weight ratio, said lower skin or runner and said top pan rigidly connected at their edge portions, a foot plate on said top pan, a bolt and nut rigidly connecting the mid portion of said foot plate with said top pan substantially at the midpoint thereof and over a very small distance measured along the length of said top pan, and pin and slot connections between the end portions of said foot plate and said top pan to permit of relative longitudinal sliding movement of said foot plate and said top pan thus preventing local stiffening of the ski.

8. The ski as in claim 3 wherein said foot plate comprises an articulated structure including an intermediate and end sections of which the latter are adapted for telescopic movement with respect to the former as the ski flexes longitudinally.

9. A foot plate for a ski, said foot plate comprising an elongated articulated structure including an intermediate and end portions, said intermediate portion including a top wall, depending side walls and inturned flanges at the lower edges of said side walls, said end portions each including top walls and diverging side walls, and said intermediate and end portions adapted for limited telescopic movement.

l0. A foot plate for a ski, said foot plate comprising an elongated integral structure including an intermediate and end portions, said intermediate portion being hollow and including a top wall, depending side walls and inturned flanges at the lower edges of said side walls, said end portions including top walls located in a plane above that of said flanges and diverging side walls extending from said top walls, said intermediate portion having an opening through its top wall for the passage of securing means, and said end portions each having a longitudinal. ly extending slot through its top wall for the passage of securing means.

11. A foot plate for a ski, said foot plate comprising a pair of metal caps each having an open end, a block adapted to be disposed between said caps, said block having its end portions shaped to enter the open ends of said caps, means for securing one end portion of said block in one of said caps against movement relative thereto, and a pin and slot connection between the other end of said block and the other of said caps.

12. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of thin metal, a metal top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan including an intermediate hollow raised portion and end portions beyond the respective ends of said intermediate hollow raised portion, a bracing member extending along and between said lower skin or runner and said top pan and secured to both of them beyond the ends of said raised portion of the top pan, and said bracing member disposed against the inner side of the said intermediate hollow raised portion of said top pan.

13. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan including a hollow raised portion intermediate its ends and intermediate its sides, said intermediate portion including a top wall, depending side walls and lateral flanges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, and flat metal portions between said lateral flanges and the longitudinal edge portions of said lower skin or runner and secured to each of them whereby to brace the ski and whereby said lower skin or runner and said top pan are secured together.

14. In a ski, a lower skin or runner comprising a single substantially flat length of metal, a metal top pan on and substantially co-extensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan including substantially flat end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction including a top wall spaced from said lower skin or runner, depending side walls and lateral anges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, longitudinally extending stiffening members secured to the lower surfaces of said lateral flanges and the upper surfaces of the longitudinal edge portions of said lower skin or runner, said top pan and said lower skin or runner rigidly secured together in their portions beyond said intermediate hollow portion of the former, and a flat metal stiiening strip rigidly secured to and extending longitudinally of and disposed against the underside of said top wall for the length of the latter.

15. In a ski, a lower skin or runner comprising a single length of metal, a metal top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan including substantially at end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction comprising a top wall spaced from said lower skin or runner, depending side walls and lateral anges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, and stiffening and bracing means in said ski to provide for rigidity and torsional stillness and comprising portions extending longitudinally of the ski and secured throughout their lengths to the underside of said lateral flanges and the upper sides of the edge portions of said skin or runner and a portion rigidly secured to and extending longitudinally of and disposed against the underside of said top wall for the length of the latter.

16. In a ski, a lower skin or runner of metal, a metal top pan on and rigid at its edge portions with the edge portions of said lower skin or runner, a foot plate on said top pan, spaced means securing said foot plate to said top pan at two places, one of said means including a nut at the inner side of said top pan and a screw passing through the foot plate and top pan and v'hreaded to said nut, a collar between said foot plate and said top pan and at its respective upper and lower ends bearing against the under side of said foot plate and the upper side of said top pan, said collar disposed about a shank of said screw and limiting threading of the screw through the nut, and the other of said means including a pin and slot connection to permit of longitudinal sliding of said foot plate in relation to said top pan thus preventing local stiliening of the ski.

17. In a ski, a lower skin or runner comprising a single length of metal, a metal top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan inclu-ding substantially flat end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction comprising a top wall spaced fromusaid lower skin or runner, depending side walls and lateral iianges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, stiflening and bracing means in said ski to provide for rigidity and torsional stiffness and comprising portions extending longitudinally7 of the ski and secured throughout their lengths to the underside of said lateral flanges and the upper sides of the edge portions of said skin or runner and a portion rigidly secured to and extending longitudinally of and disposed against the underside of said top wall for the length of the latter, threaded members secured against the underside of said portion rigidly secured to and extending longitudinally of and disposed against the underside of said top wall, and said portion and said top wall having openings therethrough for the passage of threaded shanks therethrough into said threaded members for the attaching of a binding carrier to said ski.

18. In a ski, a lower skin or runner comprising a single length of metal, a metal top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin or runner, said top pan including substantially fiat end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction comprising a top Wall spaced from said lower skin or runner, depending side walls and lateral flanges extending from the lower edgesof said side walls, and stiffening and bracing means in said ski to provide for rigidity and torsional stiffness and comprising portions extending longitudinally of the ski and adhesively secured throughout their lengths to the underside of said lateral Iianges and the upper sides of the edge portions of said skin or runner and a portion extending longitudinally of and disposed against the underside of said top wall and adhesively secured thereto for the length of said portion.

19. In a ski, a lower skin comprising a single length of stock having a longitudinally extending groove opening through its underside, a top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin, said top pan including substantially fiat end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction comprising a top wall spaced from said lower skin, depending side walls and lateral flanges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, and stiening and bracing means in said ski and extending longitudinally or" the ski and comprising portions at each side of the longitudinal center line of said groove and adhesively secured throughout their lengths to the underside of said top pan and the upper side of the lower skin at the respective sides of the longitudinal center line of said groove.v

20. In a ski, a lower skin comprising a single length of stock having a longitudinally extending groove opening through its underside, a top pan on and substantially coextensive with said lower skin, said top pan including substantially at end portions and intermediate such portions a hollow construction comprising a top wall spaced from said lower skin, depending side walls and lateral flanges extending from the lower edges of said side walls, stiiiening and bracing means in said ski and extending longitudinally of the ski and comprising portions at each side of the longitudinal center line of said groove and adhesively secured throughout their lengths to the underside of said top pan and the upper side of the lower skin at the respective sides of the longitudinal center line of said groove, said top pan having at least two openings therethrough and spaced longitudinally thereof for the passage of securing means therethrough for securing to the ski a boot attaching means, and means within said top pan and held against turning movement relative thereto and located to be engaged byv fastening means passing through said spaced openings in the top pan.

21. In a ski, a metal ski body including a hollow intermediate portion comprising a top wall and side walls, spaced nuts in said ski body and fixed against turning movement relative to said top Wall, said top wall having openings through its upper surface leading to said nuts, an elongated metal foot plate on said top Wall and extending longitudinally thereof, said foot plate having openings therethrough spaced as are the openings in said top wall, and bolts passing through the foot plate and into engagement with said nuts.

CLARENCE J. HICKMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the ille of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,552,990 Hunt Sept. 8, 1925 2,038,077 Haglund Apr. 21, 1936 2,258,046 Clement Oct. 7, 1941 2,377,504 Lermont June 5, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 625,169 Germany Feb. 5, 1936 771,622 France July 30, 1934 

